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Rim Stroll by joebartels  This nameless trail gets plenty of use. The trail serves as a connector between the Harding & Cookstove trails on the rim. These two trails ascends the rim along 89A north of Sedona from popular campgrounds in Oak Creek Canyon. I decided to call this the HC Rim Trail. I prefer to go in just that direction, from Harding to Cookstove. Back in the late 1800's and early 1900's settlers ventured down from Flagstaff. They'd make it to the rim on the east side of Oak Creek Canyon in several areas. Many of these settlers blazed trails down the steep slopes. Then they'd homestead in Oak Creek Canyon below. The settlers then used the trails to get back to Flagstaff for supplies in addition to selling their own goods. Today hikers and possibly hunters use the trails for recreation. I traveled this trail in both directions and feel it's easier to follow north. It starts off on the Harding end near a signless post. The trail is barely noticeable in areas. Pay attention, look ahead and you'll be fine. This trail is the real payoff for hiking either Harding or Cookstove. It's very peaceful as there isn't highway noise to bother you. The views are classic. In areas the opposing rim is in view. One section of the trail gives you a great view straight down Oak Creek Canyon towards Sedona. With a third of the trail to go nearing Cookstove you cross a creek. It may or may not be running depending on recent rainfall. You've reached the Cookstove trail when you spot a large notched tree on the edge of the rim. The Cookstove trail goes straight down, it's almost a down climb right from the edge. If you're on this trail it's likely you're doing a loop. I prefer the Harding to Cookstove direction. Going down the Cookstove seems more enjoyable then going up. To complete the loop you'll need to walk a mile alongside 89A. I prefer the south walk as there is more room on the west side of 89A. The total distance for this loop is about 3.8 miles and takes roughly two hours. An even better option in my opinion is to start at either end. Go up to the rim, over, down, then forget the highway and backtrack up the rim and down again. From either trailhead (Harding or Cookstove) this is about a 5.5 mile hike and takes around three hours to complete. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
HC Rim Trail
Oak Creek quintet
Hiked the 5 road-to-rim trails on the east side of upper Oak Creek Canyon. Up and back down on Purtymun, Thomas Point and Telephone, then up Harding / north on the connector trail / down Cookstove. All are steep, well-constructed trails with scenery and big views. I expected more of a thrash on Purtymun but its in mostly good condition all the way to the rim, so it's clearly getting some use and unofficial maintenance.
Hit Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock on the way out of town, fun slickrock.
Hit Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock on the way out of town, fun slickrock.
2017-05-10 toddak
HC Rim Trail
Harding Springs - Cookstove Loop
Teva Joe has written about this loop, a couple of people (including HPP) have traveled it, and I can't believe it doesn't have a lot more photos and triplogs. This is a beautiful loop hike in Oak Creek Canyon. I recommend going up the Harding Springs trail and DOWN the Cookstove trail. Cookstove is steep an sections, and you get to fill up your water at the spring at Pine Flats campground, yum (no filter needed)! If you start early enough, you can park on the east side of the road right next to the Harding Springs trailhead.
We started at around 8:30 and the temps were perfect (a bit humid after the recent rains), and there's plenty of shade on the trail up. On the rim the temps are cooler, and the trail is a pleasant stroll. Don't miss the cairns marking the top of Cookstove (they're hard to miss), and head on down. Once you get to the road it's only about a mile back to the Cave Springs campground.
We started at around 8:30 and the temps were perfect (a bit humid after the recent rains), and there's plenty of shade on the trail up. On the rim the temps are cooler, and the trail is a pleasant stroll. Don't miss the cairns marking the top of Cookstove (they're hard to miss), and head on down. Once you get to the road it's only about a mile back to the Cave Springs campground.
2013-07-21 paulhubbard
HC Rim Trail
Went up Harding Springs this time and actually did the Harding/Rim/Cookstove loop. It turns out that when I tried this loop, I was at least a half mile from the top of Harding. Go Figure...now I know. I actually lost the rim trail for a while and got to do some bushwhacking! Good stuff. I'm starting to get extremely excited about summertime...these Oak Creek rim climbs are sweet! (and I'll have the mountain at my disposal as well 
)
)2009-03-21 hippiepunkpirate
HC Rim Trail
The original plan was up Cookstove, across HC Rim, down Harding Springs and back to the car along 89A. Up Cookstove and across HC Rim went well, but I couldn't find the jump off for Harding Springs for the life of me! I was even looking at a really good map. I guess all those geography classes aren't helping me much. Next time I'll go up Harding Springs...maybe it'll be easier that way. Despite my insufficient trail finding, I still had an enjoyable time. The views are sweet along the HC Rim Trail!
2009-03-15 hippiepunkpirate
